Matthew D. Lykins AP, IA, DME

Aviation Maintenance & Mechanical Expert

Expert Witness Biography

Matthew is an Aviation and Equipment and Machinery Maintenance expert with 25+ years of experience in servicing, maintaining, inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, upgrading and refurbishing equipment and machinery ranging from industrial and agricultural equipment to experimental, private and commercial aircraft and helicopters.

Early in his career Matthew maintained and operated equipment and implements including large and small tractors, combines, skid steers, planters, folding discs, plows, cultivators, etc. for his family’s 2,500 acre farming operation. The farm included a grain elevator with more a one million bushel capacity, a custom feed processing and delivery facility, center-pivot irrigation systems and tractor-trailer operations.

Matthew gained extensive experience in the air cargo business while he owned and operated Skyward Air Service, LLC, where he ran a service facility repairing and maintaining many makes and models of aircraft, and various material handling equipment including forklifts, aerial lifts, skid steers, pallet jacks, scissor lifts and boom lifts. Using his in-depth knowledge and experience of hydraulic systems, electrical and electronic control systems, and mechanical systems, he honed his skills of complex system troubleshooting and analysis, and understands the standard of care for maintenance providers.

Matthew was a technical instructor for America Trans Air Training Academy in Indianapolis, IN. where he taught blocks of training required under FAA Part 147. He also served as an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner, administering the FAA oral and practical exams to applicants for the Airframe and Power Plant certificates.

Matthew continues to provide aerospace consultation, training, and AOG technical services through his own company. A recent consulting project was developing an FAA Certified Repair Station, focusing on avionics repair and installation for a Midwest jet service center. Another recent project is helping a client through the insurance claims process and subsequently providing the major repair services needed on his aircraft at remote location.

Matthew holds a B.S. in Aviation Technology from Purdue University and is a FAA certificated Airframe and Powerplant Technician with Inspection Authorization. He served as a Designated Mechanic Examiner for the FAA for more than 15 years. He was awarded the FAA General Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year for 2005. He is also an accomplished instrument/commercial pilot with over 1800 hours in fixed-wing single and multi-engine aircraft and is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, and Aircraft Electronics Association.

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